The spelling of the word "ruther" has been a subject of confusion among English speakers. The correct spelling is actually "rather," with the [ræðər] pronunciation in IPA notation. The confusion may come from the similar sound of /ð/ and /t/ in English, leading some to hear the word as "ruther" instead. However, it is important to learn and use the correct spelling to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding. Always remember to double-check and verify spelling before using a word in written or spoken language.
The word "ruther" is a contraction of the phrase "rather the". It originated in 14th century Middle English as a combination of the Old English word "hræðer" (meaning "more quickly" or "more readily") and the definite article "the". Over time, "hræðer the" evolved into "ruther" as a way to express a preference or inclination towards something. Today, "ruther" is mainly found in dialects or colloquial speech, particularly in British English.